Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso – Brazil’s Poetic Man of Action
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The Artist:
Of all of the modern musical legends to emerge from the complex and volatile nation of Brazil, Caetano Veloso has earned his place as a leader among them. His work as a composer, singer, guitarist, and fervent political activist has kept him in focus on the international stage through five decades. Shortly after moving to Rio do Janeiro in 1965, Veloso became part of the movement now known as Tropicalism, a fusion of Brazilian pop, rock and roll, and avante garde musical styling’s. Veloso was in good company, with the likes of Tom Zé, Os Mutantes, Gal Costa, and Gilberto Gil also helping to shape this revolutionary movement. The movement gained so much notoriety and attention that the Brazilian government apprehended and imprisoned Veloso and Gil for several months, eventually allowing them to leave the country as exiles. Nonetheless determined, Veloso and Gil continued to develop their music in London. The success that followed proves the world-class musicianship of Veloso and Gil. Over his career, Caetano Veloso has won five Latin Grammy Awards, an Academy Award nomination, and immense critical acclaim, earning comparisons to icons such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Bob Marley. Veloso has made numerous efforts to use his success and talents to support the arts and other worthy causes. He has written songs to shed light on the corruption and poverty affecting Haiti, and the sociopolitical conflicts affecting numerous Latin countries. Veloso has appeared on multiple benefit compilations produced by the Red Hot Organization in support of the fight against AIDS. Lastly, as a strong supporter of independent film and a self-proclaimed cinephile, Veloso was given the honor of serving as Guest Director at this year’s Telluride Film Festival. The Song:
“Caetano Veloso is a beautiful soul and kind, brilliant man. Although lesser known in the United States, he is likely one of the most important conscious musical artists of our time. David Byrne claims that Caetano’s contributions to the world’s music stage rival Lennon/McCartney melodically, Dylan poetically and the inventiveness of Neil Young, Serge Gainsbourg, Stevie Wonder and others. Even with his stature, I found him to be full of light and ease, and very approachable and engaging as a human being.” – Frank Fitzpatrick
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Featured Artists: • Annie Lennox |
